RANDOM SELECTION SYSTEM FOR BINGO AND THE LIKE

• US 3,653,026 A
• Filed: 06/03/1970
• Issued: 03/28/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Frederick A. Hurley
• Original Assignee: Frederick A. Hurley
• Inventors: Hurley, Frederick A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Trafton, David L.
• Application Number:
  US05/042,964
• Time in Patent Office: 664 Days
• Field of Search: 340/324,323,336 273/138A,139
• US Class Current: 340/323.00R
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 15/006 electronically

Abstract

A random selection system including a repeating selector operating for a randomly varied period of time following each successive actuation. The random period of time is achieved through a capacitor timing circuit by means of a variable charging time, and changes in capacitance and other circuit parameters. A memory circuit keeps track of the selected numbers and is coupled to the selector control circuits to prevent a repeat selection of any number.

Claims

1. A random selection system comprising a selector which, while energized, repeatedly advances through the numbers to be selected following a predetermined repeatable sequence;

player actuatable means;

a timing circuit connected to said selector to randomly vary the period of energization for said selector with each successive player actuation including a capacitor and a charging circuit for controlling the charging rate so that said capacitor is charged to a state dependent upon the length of time of the player actuation, and circuit means coupling said capacitor to said selector so that said selector is energized while said capacitor discharges; and

means coupled to said selector for displaying the selections.

2. A random selection system according to claim 1 further including a second capacitor coupled to said player actuatable means to become rapidly fully charged upon each player actuation, said second capacitor being coupled to said selector to provide a period of energization while said second capacitor discharges.

3. A random selection system for selecting Bingo numbers comprising a display disposed for view by the players for displaying selected Bingo numbers, a selector coupled to said display to make the successive selection of Bingo numbers, said selector being of the type which, while energized, advances repeatedly through a predetermined sequence of Bingo numbers;

a player actuator;

a timing circuit connected for controlling energization of said selector for randomly variable periods of time in response to successive actuations of said player actuator, said timing circuit including a first capacitor connected to become fully charged during each player actuation, a second capacitor so connected in a charging circuit that said second capacitor attains a state of charge which varies in accordance with the duration of the player actuation, and circuit means for coupling said capacitors to said selector to energize said selector during the discharge of said first and second capacitors following each player actuation.

4. A random selection system according to claim 3 further including a variable capacitor means in said timing circuit connected to attain a state of charge which varies in accordance with the duration of the player actuation and which contributes to the energization of said selector following each playeR actuation, and circuit means for varying the capacitance of said variable capacitor means prior to each successive player actuation.

5. A random selection system for selecting and displaying Bingo numbers comprising a selector which, while energized, repeatedly advances through the numbers to be selected following a predetermined repeatable sequence;

player actuatable means;

a timing circuit connected to said selector to randomly vary the period of energization for said selector with each successive player actuation; and

a display disposed for view by the players including a momentary displaY the number corresponding to the instantaneous position of said selector, and a memory display for displaying, until the end of each game, numbers selected by said selector following each successive energization thereof.

6. A system according to claim 5 wherein said memory display includes a compartmented structure, each compartment thereof including a separate light bulb so that energization of a selected light bulb provides display of a selected number.

7. A system according to claim 5 wherein said momentary display is a two digit display wherein different numbers can be displayed for each digit by selective energization of number segments.

8. A random selection system for selecting and displaying Bingo numbers without repeating number selections during a game, comprising a selector which, while energized, repeatedly advances through the numbers to be selected following a predetermined repeatable sequence;

player actuatable means;

a timing circuit connected to said selector to randomly vary the period of energization for said selector with each successive player actuation a display disposed for view by the players for displaying numbers as they are selected, memory circuit means associated with each selectable number, each such memory circuit being coupled to said selector to become energized upon selection of the associated number and to thereafter remain energized for the duration of the game, and coupled to said display to maintain display of the selected number for the remaining duration of the game; and

circuit means for avoiding repeat selections coupled between said memory circuits and said selector to energize said selector whenever in a position corresponding to a previously selected number.

9. A random selection circuit according to claim 8 wherein each of said memory circuits includes a relay with a hold circuit completed through a set of normally open contacts to maintain the relay in the energized state for the duration of the game subsequent to initial energization and wherein said selector is a stepping switch connected so that the same movable contact of said stepping switch is used to energize a hold circuit in response to a selected number and to sense energized hold circuits to avoid repeat selections of any number.